Description
Quick & easy 30-minute Butter Chicken recipe with a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices. Perfect for busy nights, this homemade Indian favorite is simple yet packed with flavor. Serve with rice or naan for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder or cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 tbsp butter, divided
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1 tsp sugar or honey (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or naan (for serving)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix chicken, yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and chili powder (if using).
- Let sit while preparing the sauce (or refrigerate for up to 24 hours for more flavor).
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same pan, melt 1 tbsp butter and sauté onions until golden.
- Add garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute.
- Pour in tomato puree and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, salt, and sugar/honey (if using).
- Finish the Dish:
- Pour in heavy cream or coconut milk, stirring until smooth.
- Return chicken to the pan, coating it in the sauce.
- Simmer for 5 more minutes.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan.
Notes
- Vegetarian: Use paneer, tofu, or chickpeas.
- Dairy-Free: Swap cream for coconut milk, use dairy-free butter.
- Extra Spicy: Increase chili powder or add fresh chilies.
- Low-Carb: Serve with cauliflower rice.
- Mild Flavor: Reduce/omit chili powder.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: indian
Keywords: Butter Chicken Recipe, Quick Indian Recipe, 30-Minute Dinner, Easy Butter Chicken, Homemade Indian Curry